starter for @azulpantera - Two feline hollows meet
The never ending night governed silently over the vast white desserts of Hueco Mundo, its silver looking aster creating spectacles of shadow and light onto the sand, as its rays colored it in hues of sparkly greyish-blue. Nothing was out of the ordinary with this particular day (if one could call it that, given that time in Hueco Mundo was impossible to measure with the lack of a circadian cycle), but something about the way the soft light reflected onto the dessert dunes and her pale skin, felt incredibly beautiful, almost magical compared to other nights to the female Arrancar. There weren't many instances when she felt like she could say that, but right now, she could truly say that this wasteland was beautiful in its own rightful way.
The feline purred softly, stretching out onto the hard surface of the rock she'd chosen for this round of moonlight bathing. Misaki truly enjoyed this kind of peaceful moments and with the ethereal scenery around her, she could truly feel content. Things were going good for her lately and while life wasn't always perfect, it was still acceptable. She had her little burrow and so far, her sharp instincts had kept her safe from any dangerous encounters. From this point of view, Misaki considered herself lucky.
This was going to be another really good day for her... Or at least that's what it felt like until her zen mode was ruined by a weird and sudden feeling of unease creeping up on her out of nowhere.
She could clearly feel a disturbance in the air, or better said in the Reyatsu levels around her. It was almost as if an invisible force began applying pressure onto the surroundings and her body, making her hairs stand up on edge.
Something's wrong... Something's terribly wrong!
Misaki jolted up, sitting upright onto the rock as she began scanning the area around her, but she couldn't see anyone or anything that could've caused this disturbance in the energetic field. There was only sand and more sand...
This only made her blood run cold in her veins. Whatever made the Reyatsu levels fluctuate around her must've been something or someone very strong if she could sense their presence before they even showed themselves. Everything about this change in atmosphere screamed danger, and the nauseating feeling in her gut told Misaki that she should definitely get out of there. She had to hide, and quick!
But no matter how hard she tried to move, it was as if her body had became frozen by the fear and tension building up within her. Or, better said, it was as if that invisible heavy pressure was keeping her trapped in place. And the worst part? Something inside her could feel that whoever was responsible for this was getting nearer!
Misaki could hear her female colleagues snickering and chit chatting in the back, their giggles and frivolous comments about the teacher making her roll her eyes. Just because Mr. Jaegerjaquez was closer in age to them, that didn't mean he was lesser of a professor nor that they could get what they wanted from him with a flirt. All professors teaching at their university were known to be very serious and good professionals in their field, since this was one of the more prestigious schools in the country. They wouldn't have just selected a random ladies man, unserious and disinterested in his work to teach such important courses for the majors.
Plus, just by looking at him, Misaki could tell that he was a serious and down to earth kind of guy, definitely not someone who would fool or play around. There was something distinguished and esteemed about him, and not only because he was half foreign, but because he inspired respect and admiration. Which was drew her full attention onto him and not just his physical look like in her colleagues case. "Mister Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez..." She whispered the name for herself, as if just to feel how it rolled on the tongue. Indeed, his first name was easier to pronounce than his more sophisticated Spanish based family name. It had something beautiful about it though, almost melodious, which Misaki discovered she liked.
And her liking and intrigue for this new professor would only grow once he handed them the syllabus for this course. It was very meticulously made and written in such a way that the structure made it easy to understand for the student. She discovered that it was very easy to find the list of assignments, the resources for the course or the evaluation methods since they were categorized individually in groups. But what impressed her most about this and made her raise an eyebrow was the bullet point at the end, marking in bold the fact that professor Jaegerjaquez did individualized study plans for his students, in such a manner that it would help them work on their specific needs and issues at this course in order to grow and reach the same level as the rest of the class.
'He really knows what he's doing and pays a great deal of interest into his work!' Misaki thought to herself, feeling the admiration grow and make her heartbeat go faster when looking up at him. 'He's so young, yet already so invested and good at what he's doing!' In Misaki's opinion, this is what separated a good professor from a bad one. Not the amount of teaching experience, but how much time they were willing to devote to their students and the resources they were investing into each one of them in order to make sure that no one was being left behind. It was actually very altruistic and admiring, especially since the pay in education isn't even as great and good as it should be for the amount of effort it entails.
There was a loud murmur and wave of disappointment from the rest of the students upon hearing that they would be required to take a test for their very first day of classes, which woke Misaki up from her slight reverie. She wasn't bothered though, and sticked to getting her writing utensils and paper ready, like a good dilligent student. Misaki was certain that Grimmjow wouldn't be lying to them about the test and that the mark they got wouldn't count for the final grade, so she was pretty much chill about it. It would just asses their current English level to give him an idea about where to start and despite the distraught it caused in the auditorium, it was something that would be in their best of interests.
So, for the duration of the test paper, Misaki did her very best, trying to remember as much vocabulary as she could, as well as grammar and syntax. And by the end, when she went to hand him her paper, the brunette had a satisfied look on her face about her performance. It would be good enough to make her happy, even if she was aware that there was always room for improvement. Returning to her seat, she'd hear more whispered murmurs and giggles elicited by Grimmjow's mention of working on the tests in the evening, but she tried her best to ignore them.
Misaki felt a great deal of admiration for the blue haired male as she continued listening to him. He had his goals so clearly thought out and planned, as if he could visualize mentally a neatly written down check list with everything he needed to accomplish and work towards. "That is truly impressive and admirable! I don't think I know many students in our profession who dared pick two Majors at once, with one of them being Medicine." Most students in the medical based Majors were pretty much feeling overwhelmed with just the amount of materials to study and memorize that even a part time job was sometimes to much for them.
Sure, that wasn't Misaki's case, since she knew how to organize and manage her time in such manner that it wouldn't interfere with her to studies, but she could understand why others might struggle. They were all studying a total of 6 years after all, which spoke a lot about the amount of information that was packed into their lectures, with many of the exams proving to be real challenges. And that's why she couldn't help but think greatly of someone like Grimmjow who had managed to get his life together and manage so many things at once. "I think that's a good plan, yeah. If you feel ready for it, I don't see why you shouldn't pursue a PHD too. It would actually serve you good in building a reputable and respectable image for your future business."
She couldn't have known yet about Grimmjow's tough relationship with his parental figures, since they hadn't opened that can on worms in their conversation yet, but the brunette felt that just about anyone would feel proud of having such a diligent son. Misaki at least knew that her grandmother, her only parental figure that raised her since she'd became an orphan at a very young age, would have been proud of her for pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor and being so hard working towards reaching her goal.
"Funny that you brought that up, cause I too was thinking about it. With the newer developments in the health care sector, they'd been needing a fresh influx of nurses and doctors in their workforce, so I was thinking about applying for a job there and also doing my residency there." Misaki nodded and smiled. She did appreciate his input on where she could go. "As for the future of my studies... I wanna try seeing how it's like doing the real thing and how working in a hospital would be like, since so far we've only been learning the theoretical side of things. But who knows, maybe at one point I'll do that too. It adds a nice touch to your resume after all." It was actually nice having someone to talk to about her studies and plans for the future, who could understand her and give their own based opinions on the matter. And even if they were barely acquaintances, talking to Grimmjow felt incredibly natural and easy for her, like they'd known one another for an actual lifetime.
When he then mentioned that he was thinking about picking up a part time job too, Misaki's eyes lit up. It was time for her to land him a helping hand with something about work too. "Hey, if you're actually set on getting a student part time job, there's a bar really close by to my maids cafe that's been doing some hiring. They are looking for a new barista since the last one graduated this summer." If this could aid Grimmjow in finding a job he would like, then she was more than happy to share the information. Plus, the blue haired male did strike her as someone who would do great behind the counter, socializing with the customers and mixing all sorts of exotic and fun cocktails for them.
The mention of the kotatsu made her raise an eyebrow. These stuff were far from being cheap so the fact that he had gone the extra mile of getting one for his temporary student accommodation apartment was rather intriguing. "Ah, that actually sounds so good! I love a nice and warm kotatsu during winter time! My grandma always used to joke about how I could spend my entire life under one all gleefully like a cat." Misaki chuckled then winked at Grimmjow. "In this case, hope you won't grow tired of having me over during the cold season when I want to get my legs warm under a warm blanket."
Looking around the room Misaki also noticed that there wasn't a bed yet, but she didn't comment on it since maybe Grimmjow had the rest of his furniture on its way there. After all, this was only their first day back on campus, so she was sure that there were still things left to be delivered to their rooms, reason why she instead switched to the topic of their lunch. "Oh, in that case I am not one to refuse you on that. There's a sushi bar really close by that has a salmon sushi to die for! I always buy stuff from them when I have some cash on hand and I don't feel like cooking."
The painting were indeed impressive, with the beautifully constructed compositions and the confident brush strokes done on the canvas. Whoever had painted them really knew what they were doing and it showed that this wasn't the mere work of an amateur. "Your friend is truly talented! All of his paintings look stunning and like they could definitely belong in a gallery!" She couldn't help but wonder how having such a friend must be like and how much must've Grimmjow spent on them, considering that none of those paintings looked like they would've been sold for cheap. Though, being able to indulge in spending on the fine arts must've been really nice! Misaki could only dream of owning such exquisite decorative pieces.
Misaki had noticed his very fit physique and of course part of her imagination couldn't help but imagine how his beautifully refined muscles would look like while flexed during a sprint. Grimmjow himself must've been a real work of art to look at, enough to inspire a thousand sculptors. "Then, I guess we have a deal. We're both going to join the track club and we can start our practicing to get a head start warming up in the park." The young woman chuckled and smiled again, extending her hand to him for another handshake. This way, it was like they were sealing their promise.
"Thank you, you are truly very kind! And yes, I've been definitely feeling much better compared to a few years ago." Misaki felt touched by his openness to showing such care to someone he'd just met. "I could come, yes, since I really don't mind joining you for your daily workout. Plus, between the two of us, you are the expert in this area with you studying kinesiology."
She then watched him hang the canvases on the wall, noting just how meticulous he was with the placement. Misaki then finished arranging the last few textbooks and books on the shelves and turned back to face him. "It's fine really. It was my pleasure to be able to help and get to know another really wonderful person on our campus. Plus, since you've already offered to help me too with so many things, I am starting to feel spoiled." She chuckled and came closer to him. "The cooking plan sounds cool to me too, so I'd be more than happy to treat you to some of my grandma's most delicious recipes!" Misaki was all smiles and she was actually already starting to feel excited about the prospects of the near future.
"Tho, for now I guess we will stick to that dining out option, until we get our groceries done and put together the cooking plan. So, shall we proceed to your car?"
Misaki freezes in her tracks, actually surprised by the fact that she'd been detected, even if she was being as stealthy as one could've possibly been.
For a moment, she hesitates, not knowing if she should show herself and answer the man's question, or simply flee. Her answer is decided however by the heavy spiritual energy that starts coming off of the other, indicating that this guy wasn't one to mess with.
"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to intrude..." Misaki eventually reveals herself, stepping out shily from wherever it was she'd been hiding. "I was just being curious, as I don't think I've seen you around before, sir."
Soma has arrived to meet his new partner. Someone had recommended them to him and oh Soma could not have been happier. "I will make you look stunning. You are fine still being a model for me?'
Misaki had been looking forward to this meeting for a while now. She'd been searching for a second part time job as of lately, given that her shifts at the maid cafe had gotten cut down to half with the decrease in customers from lately after another rivaling establishment opened up near by to theirs. So, when a friend of hers lent her a helpful hand in the form of the information that a popular fashion designer was looking for a new model to pose for his collection, Misaki jumped right at the opportunity.
This would've been her first ever modelling gig and even if everyone around her would've assured her that her fine and beautiful features, especially with the contrast between her soft ocean blue eyes and her ebony hair, the young woman was still somewhat nervous about auditioning for this position. But she was also very excited to meet this fashion designer, whom from what she'd heard, was quite the charming presence.
So you can imagine the readable relief on her face when she not only got the job, but the very kind and handsome Soma approached her himself to ask her if she wanted this job.
"Ah, it would be my pleasure, sir! I'm actually looking forward to working with you and to try modeling for the first time!" Misaki's eyes gleamed with excitement, and she was all smiles.
"Excuse me, is this seat available?" Ren asked gently, noticing the woman was deeply focused on her materials and hoping his sudden presence hadn't startled her.
The young woman was reading one of the textbooks when the other approached her, prompting Misaki to raise her eyes from the lines of text to look at him before giving a note. "Yes, it is. Let me clear it for you!" She then quickly took her bag and coat from the seat so he could sit down.
Misaki had never gone to the world of the living after becoming a hollow and then an Arrancar, so she was somewhat intrigued when Grimmjow brought up visiting the humans' world to go to a festival. It's been over 300 years since she'd lived as a human, so it was safe to say that the female Arrancar was curious and intrigued by the thought of seeing how the world had changed over these centuries. "Oh, I'd love going with you to this festival!~" She gleamed cheerfully, clearly excited about the suggested activity.
"I'm actually glad to hear that festivals are still a thing even now. This is exciting! I've never been able to properly go to one back when I was a human, since servants weren't allowed to attend such events, but I always wanted to go to one and see the fireworks and street performers. Can we go now, Grimmy? Please?~"
And precisely because they had a rather extensive past together, it felt natural for Misaki to share with him the various recollections she had of their past. Every new detail that untangled from that very blurry mess left by her evolution felt like another step closer to rekindling that very close bond with her mate. So it made her happy whenever she could share with Grimmjow something new she remembered about him or their relationship.
It was like another proof that everything had indeed happened and wasn't just a history forever lost in the dunes due to their foggy memories. Sure, their past together wasn't the mandatory foundation of their relationship or the future of they would be building together from now on, since both Misaki and Grimmjow felt this strong connection and they could easily build new, more significant memories together now that they reunited, but it was still nice to know that there was something that came before this moment too, which impacted the way they felt towards one another.
Misaki nodded. "I do recall that you were way larger than me in size, but even if other Hollow and Adjuchas might've exceeded even you in terms of how big they were, you had always been the strongest one." The very fact that she could recall there being more than one Adjuchas who had threatened her back when they first met, spoke for itself about the Sexta's power even back then. He'd singlehandedly taken out all of their enemies and everything with sustaining the least amount of damage. "It's interesting though, cause I can also slightly remember my feelings from back then and not even once did I feel fear towards you. I felt a strong fear towards the Adjuchas attacking me, but when you stepped in, I wasn't scared of you. Intimidated sure, but not fearful." So maybe even then, with her limited knowledge as a younger Hollow, Misaki could have told that Grimmjow would not hurt her. Not because he couldn't, but because he didn't have any intention of causing harm to one of his own.
"I am glad I trusted my instincts back then to follow you. I guess, since we were both feline based, something in me knew that you wouldn't hurt me and that we could stick together for one another." Misaki smiled and rested her head in her hand. "I can even remember some slightly blurry moments when you were injured and I helped nurse you back to health by hunting for you too and licking your wounds." It was something she must've done as part of her own courting ritual as a Hollow, showing care and affection to the one she felt drawn to and bonded to, to be her mate. There were still many mysteries about their world that she still didn't know much about, so if asked, Misaki wouldn't have been able to tell him why she felt compelled to do certain things back then, but her instincts told her it had always been the right thing and she just knew what to do.
Grimmjow's little story about how he'd pull pranks on others by hiding in the dunes and spooking them drew a light chuckle from the brunette. Misaki knew that he didn't do such things out of ill intent, but rather as a means of being playful. In a way, she could resonate with him on that, because it sounded like something that she would do. "Oh, I think you did that back when we were together at our den too, although back then we didn't really have many visitors to be able to play pranks on them or play spook." Most wild Adjuchas and maybe even Vastos knew not to mess with Grimmjow or breach his territory, so it was rare that they encountered other Adjuchas around their burrow. Grimm's reiatsu really did it's work well even then in keeping others away. "When I hear you talking about yourself in your younger days or during the time we've been separated, it makes me wonder how you were like then or what have I missed during those hundred years." Misaki was also curious about the people Grimmjow had grown closer to and would now call his friends.
"We have our instincts to tell us what and how to do things. Even I am amazed sometimes about how easy I am able to adapt to or deal with new situations without having ever experienced them before." And maybe it was also the human spirits they consumed over the years by consuming other lesser Hollow. It was most likely a combination of both primal instincts and second hand knowledge borrowed from older human souls, like how Grimmjow already knew how to cook incredibly well despite him never having done that before. "I wonder... What else we might be able to know or do because we ate a soul that had competences in that area." It was somewhat fun and exciting, since it meant there could always be something new and fun to surprise them.
If Misaki would take as quickly to his training as she did to learning how to play those human board games, then it wasn't going to be a frustrating experience to teach her how to fight or defend herself. Her flexible feline body meant that she could naturally achieve impressive results in speed, combat and agility once her body would be back to its best shape, and with her healthy appetite and the help of his spiritual energy, it would be only a matter of fact until he would take her to the training fields. There was no rush though, since they got all the time in the world and Misaki had to first focus onto building up some of the strength she'd lost due to being malnourished, but it was a relief to know that as a student, the female Arrancar would be as malleable as a puddy and that she was ready to absorb knowledge like a sponge.
She didn't blame him for leaving in order to evolve. Even if it was sudden and he had gone without an explanation, Misaki had never blamed him for doing it because she knew, deep down, that the Jaguar would have never left her without a very good reason. They were a bonded pair, set on mating with one another, so there was no way in hell that Grimmjow would've left her if he didn't have to. And by the sound of what he described, there was a very good reason why he had to put distance between them. "I kind of figured that you left because you had to and not because you wanted, so I don't blame you." Misaki reassured him and reached over the table to place her hand over his. "You've always protected me and did everything in your power to ensure that I was safe, so when you disappeared, I knew deep down that you did so to protect me. So I never blamed you. After all, I never left our burrow even after all those years."
Misaki nodded again and gave his hand a squeeze. "Understood. I will always wait for you here, in the castle or in our room. Nothing and noone will ever be able to take me away from you again." She had no clue what a gong was or what it sounded like, but when Grimmjow would tell her that he had to go, Misaki was going to patiently await his return, trusting that he will always come back. She'd waited for more than a century for him to return and he did, so a couple minutes or hours every now and then of absence weren't going to kill her. And that's why Misaki was so understanding, because she fully trusted Grimmjow and knew that he wasn't lying to her.
Something about the prospect of learning how to read and write the language they used made her become very excited. Maybe it was the remenents of her old life as a human that made her feel so happy and elated about the fact, but Misaki was already oozing with excitement. "Oh, this is perfect! I can't wait for us to start the first lesson! Actually, we can even start now!" They were done eating and she was already feeling full of energy again, so in Misaki's opinion, there were no reasons to delay things. "So please Grimmjow, teach me!" Her eyes flickered with the sparks of joy and glee.
